Blogger

Greetings Fathers. I haven't written anything in awhile but today I have something that I would like to share with you. This post is meant to be an encouragement and prod to take action. For those who don't know me personally there are some important facts to know in order to understand this post and what I'm about to share.

First. Years ago I was part of a men's group that did a study entitled "Men's Fraternity". It was a great study that talked about what it looked like to be a "real" man and how to live an appropriate life for Christ and our families.

One of the sections that honestly bothered me was a section that talked about giving life and adventure to our children. The author of the course was a great communicator that spoke about giving these to his son by hiking the Great Wall of China together and scaling great mountains side by side. It always bothered me because these were things that I couldn't offer to my own sons but yet I too wanted to give them life and know they were fit for the fight.

The second piece to this is to know that three weeks ago I lost one of my sons. My third son Evan, at the age of 18, had an unexpected and unexplainable heart attack. This pivotal moment in my life has me looking at everything I have done or not done as a father. I am so thankful that I may not have been able walk the Great Wall of China with my children but I have no regrets and was able to find ways to bring them life and encourage them.

For many of us fathers we struggle with what to do and how to give life to our children. Being a father who has lost a child, let me encourage you today to do whatever it is you can. As I've been painstakingly going thru my sons belongings to close accounts and finish of his business dealings I came across an email that he had saved and I want to share with you. It's an email that I sent to him over a year ago after we watched the movie "Unbroken" together. It doesn't matter if you haven't seen the movie.

The reason I want to share this with you is NOT for selfish desire. I am sharing this with you because I am so glad, looking back, that I took the time to write this to my son. I want to encourage every father to take the time to do the same. We may not be able to ski the Alps or snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef but we, with our words, can bring life to our children like no other man can.

In light of my own son's passing, in order to parent with no regrets, I believe we must take action today. PLEASE BE ENCOURAGED, and take action with your words today and give life to your family. Your sons will save it in the email, whether you know it or not.

I recently publish my first book called The Power of Following. As I was writing a note in a copy for one my adult sons I had a sudden revelation.

The Power of Following is focused on talking to the majority which is the group of people who want to achieve and have dreams must aren't focused to be a leader or maybe aren't equipped yet to do so.

As I looked over the 12 Keys that I outlined thinking of what to write to my son I laughed loud enough to cause my wife to look and inquire what was up. It was at that moment that I realized that he had all of the keys that I had written. Without even knowing I had written a book on how I had raised a successful son!

As parents we are all trying to help our children get the upper hand in the world. It's an ever changing landscape of challenges but some truths remain true. The 12 Keys to unlocking The Power of Following are timeless truths, not temporary fixes.

As an author I'm thrilled to have written and provide truths that I myself have unlocked, used and even taught my own children. My hope for you is that you to unlock these truths and become the hero of your story.